Meg Jones: England Seeks to Inspire in Women’s Rugby World Cup Final

Meg Jones: “We needed this match” before the Women’s Rugby World Cup final

England center star Meg Jones has acknowledged that the victory in the semi-final against France was “exactly what we needed” before next week’s Women’s Rugby World Cup final. The “Red Roses” secured their place in their seventh consecutive final with a 35-17 victory in Bristol, although the score suggests an easier afternoon than it actually was for the hosts. France dominated ball possession with 61%, and although England was more effective, it was forced to give its all for its successes, making 231 tackles against France’s 90. Jones, who stuck to his usual line with four recoveries, stated that this type of battle was what his team was looking for before the final.

I asked the girls for one thing, and it was that they choose with what intensity they were going to hit and inspire the person next to them,” Jones told the media. “I 100% believe that’s exactly what we needed. Everyone is always going to have an opinion on how we play and how the game is, but let me tell you that defense defines us.

Meg Jones

“I think we have a lot of heart and desire in this team and we are also enjoying what we are doing. I hope you see the fun out there, there are good celebrations and we are trying to enjoy the game as much as we can. The pressure is already great, let’s not make it greater. Let’s enjoy it for what it is.” Canada looks forward to the main event next week, with the prospect of winning the World Cup at home in front of 80,000 fans at Twickenham, which is exciting for Jones. “I was holding back the tears [after the semi-final], because I think it’s everything we’ve been building towards,” Jones said. “It’s huge for us. Honestly, I think our biggest goal is to inspire a nation and girls and boys all over the country, super proud of what we’ve built and what we continue to build.” We will enjoy the moment we have had together. There will be many songs and we know we will return to it [on Sunday], a great day of recovery, a great week ahead. We’ve earned another week, and we’ll try again.”